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Camp Kids Are Kids Chicago

A free urban camp in Downtown Chicago!

Camp Kids Are Kids Chicago is for children who have been diagnosed with cancer (currently in treatment or in remission) who are between the ages of 7 to 17.

Our mission is to foster a spirit of joy in a fun, safe and medically-sound urban recreational environment that builds self esteem, independence, and friendships for children living with cancer.

All staff members are thoroughly background-checked and trained. On-site physicians and nurses are available 24/7 to administer medications, change dressings, and respond to all camper’s health needs.

Palmer House magically transforms into bunk cabins. Camping activities will be held at the hotel as well as neighboring parks and near-by locations, and includes campfires and cookouts, camp songs, skits, arts and crafts, games, and a talent show.

We had the opportunity to enjoy many events and attractions throughout the city and surrounding area –  Rock Climbing and Yoga sessions at Brooklyn Boulders Chicago, a visit with monkeys at the hotel, a barbecue dinner, swimming and campfire at Evanston Golf Club, a special cooking session with the Palmer House Pastry Chef Fabric, a visit with Chicago Police Department’s SWAT Team, Bomb Squad, K-9 and Mounted Units, a make-your-own-pizza party at Homeslice, a Lake Michigan dinner cruise with dancing and fireworks, a fun-filled beach day with the Chicago Fire Department’s Air & Sea Rescue Team on Lake Michigan, a Variety Show and the unique Talent Show in the Palmer House’s Empire Room.

What an exciting week! Parents, siblings, and families were invited and welcomed on camp opening day and our camp closing ceremony and social.

Camp Kids Are Kids Chicago offer incredible fun for our campers, where they learned life-skills, team building, coping mechanisms, and found support, acceptance, and friendships which extend into their everyday lives.

How do you feel about coming to camp?
I’ve been waiting all year for this.
I look forward to it all year.

I love it and never want to leave.
Inviting and happy Good because it’s fun.
Very exciting, awesome

What was something new you learned at camp?
I learned I am not alone in this fight.
Don’t be shy and be yourself.
How to handle emotions
To make new friends

Art ideas, songs and meeting new friends
The Shaving Cream Song
It gets better.

What was the funniest thing you did?
Walking down Michigan Avenue
singing Shaving Cream in PJs

Seeing all my old friends
Ate a helmet full of ice cream
Telling jokes
Talking every night in the cabin

What was the worst thing you did?
Nothing
Nap time

The BEST thing about Camp Kids Are Kids is:
Our family bond
People know what you are going through
Being with my camp family
The people/the awesome people
Meeting new people
Everything

If I could change one thing at camp, it would be:
More campers
Make it longer
Nothing

My favorite moment this year is:
The boat party
because it was so cool dancing with everyone on the boat.

All of it … all my moments were amazing.
The beach
The scavenger hunt on the bus
Going on the boat
Facing my fears of singing in front of other people.

Everything

Other comments:
The counselors were great friends.
We have become more than friends.
No matter what we put them through,
they will love us with all their hearts.
Our directors do a good job
of getting everyone to participate.

It is always fun to be surprised
by what they have.

The campfire event just gets me
so much closer to everyone.

The medical staff was always taking great care of us.

605 North Michigan Avenue
4th Floor
Chicago Illinois 60611
(773) 609-3003
(312) 912-5308
[email protected]

January 12, 2020 Filed Under: Camps for Kids and Teens and their Families, Illinois

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Disclaimer: These resources are regularly reviewed to ensure that links work correctly and the resources listed continue to be helpful to our visitors. If you find that a link isn't working or information is incorrect, or if you would like to have your own organization listed here, please contact Nancy.